Tag Archives: Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis

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TSU Unveils Renovation Plan for Iconic Davis Humanities Building Focused on Student-Centered Innovation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is ushering in a transformative era with the renovation of the Davis Humanities Building, a cornerstone of campus life that has served as a beacon of academic excellence for nearly a century. Once the hub of administration, the 60,205-square-foot structure will soon be reimagined as a vibrant, student-centered space, highlighting the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering community, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

A rendering of an interactive reception area in the renovated Davis Humanities Building (Courtesy, Bauer Askew)

Originally completed in 1926 and last updated in 1994, the Davis Humanities Building will embark on a full interior and exterior overhaul aimed at creating a flexible, modern environment that resonates with today’s educational trends. Slated for completion in October 2026, the project aligns with TSU’s 10-year master plan for campus modernization and expansion, positioning the university as a competitive, future-focused institution.

Dr. Robbie Melton

“This renovation isn’t just about improving a building; it’s about enhancing the student experience,” said Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our goal is to create inviting, collaborative spaces that empower students to excel academically while fostering a sense of community and belonging on campus.”

The renovation includes upgraded classrooms with enhanced technology, collaborative study areas, and newly activated spaces for student organizations and activities. The design also addresses functional needs by integrating sustainable utility systems and ADA-compliant access throughout the building. Future-focused features, such as integrated stormwater management solutions, will ensure the building’s resilience for years to come while enhancing the architectural prominence of the campus.

Caleb Johsway

Students are already expressing their excitement about the upcoming changes. “I am excited to see the new look of the Davis Humanities Building, as I plan to return for graduate school and anticipate having classes there,” shared Chrishonda O’Quinn, a graduate business administration major.

Caleb Joshway, an MBA student from Auburndale, Florida, expressed similar enthusiasm, stating, “I am looking forward to the changes; this building holds so much history, and I am thrilled to be a part of its future”

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, oversees classes within the Davis Humanities Building and sees the renovation as an essential evolution. “Every TSU student is touched by the Humanities Department,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for us, as the renovations will better support co-curricular activities and create more student-centric study spaces, enhanced student engagement, and an overall inviting atmosphere.”

Marla Green

The renovations promise to maintain the historic essence of the building while modernizing its infrastructure. As Campus Project Manager Marlah Green noted, “With the rapid pace of educational evolution, this renovation will enhance both teaching and learning. It’s time for innovation and renovation, and we are committed to making this iconic structure a catalyst for student success.”

Leah Granderson

To beautify the construction process and engage the wider campus community, a creative construction fence and artistic installation will adorn the site, highlighting TSU’s rich history and inviting onlookers to envision the future of the Davis Humanities Building. 

“This initiative exemplifies how thoughtful design can connect our storied past with a promising future,” said Leah Granderson, executive director of Planning, Design, Construction, and Operations. “We’re not just renovating a building; we’re enhancing the campus experience for everyone.”

As the construction unfolds, students, faculty, staff, and the broader TSU community can look forward to the anticipated revitalization of the Davis Humanities Building—an embodiment of the university’s dedication to a forward-thinking and engaging collegiate experience.

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TSU named ‘a top’ Commercial Music Program again by Billboard, will hold inaugural career fair 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For the second consecutive year, Tennessee State University has been recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the 2024 Top Music Business Schools. TSU’s commercial music program, within the university’s music department, joins over 25 internationally acclaimed music business programs in receiving this prestigious recognition.

TSU commercial music program continues to distinguish itself as the oldest accredited program of its kind at an HBCU. TSU’s Nashville location, combined with faculty who are active in the industry, gives students unique, hands-on learning experiences. The October issue of Billboard highlights TSU’s commitment to current industry trends, its low faculty-to-student ratio, and its emphasis on industry site visits, guest speakers, and internship opportunities. 

Dr. Mark Crawford

Dr. Mark Crawford, music professor and coordinator of the commercial music program said this recognition speaks to the quality and consistency of the program. “Receiving this accolade two years in a row shows our students are actively engaged in internships, placements, and other vital experiences,” he said.

Building on this momentum, TSU’s commercial music program will host its first-ever music industry career fair on November 15. Offering students a networking platform, the career fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. This event will connect students and faculty with nearly 30 established companies, including UMG, Concord, Live Nation, SESAC, Nashville Symphony, Sweetwater, Endeavor and more.

While TSU holds successful career fairs each semester, Crawford recognized the need for an event specifically tailored to students pursuing careers in music and entertainment. “This career fair is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce directly,” Crawford said. The goal is to build a pipeline for students by connecting them with leading organizations, from record labels to talent agencies, PROs, financial management firms and more.

With over 25 years of partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities, TSU’s commercial music program has continually supported student success. Through connections with industry leaders like Wasserman Media Group and the PROPEL Center, an innovative hub for HBCU students developed in collaboration with Apple, TSU has built a robust network for students. Another aspect of the commercial music program is the music business accelerator program, a three-week Maymester course that collaborates with leading organizations and nonprofits.

For the past three years, TSU has collaborated with the Black Music Action Coalition to provide students with real-world experiences alongside companies like Apple Music, Live Nation, and Atlantic Records. The upcoming career fair aims to build on decades of commercial music efforts by providing students the opportunity to network directly with even more industry leaders.

Billboard selects top music business schools based on industry recommendations, alumni data, and nearly a decade of reporting. TSU’s consecutive recognition adds to its milestones as the university prepares the next generation of music industry leaders.

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, expressed gratitude for the program’s achievements. “Our program celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and continues to prepare students for success,” she said. “This event will provide a networking opportunity to ensure that TSU continues producing prepared students to work in industry.”

Check out Billboard’s latest issue recognizing TSU at www.billboard.com/pro/top-music-business-schools-2024-list/.

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TSU Alumna named first Black woman judge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When TSU alumna Tionn Fambro Carter interned at the Tennessee State Capitol in 2004, she noticed a glaring lack of diversity in the House of Representatives. There was no reflection of her identity or her community’s demographics. The experience ignited her passion for public service, particularly drafting public policies that would positively impact her community. It also impacted Carter’s plans following her graduation from TSU.

“I loved seeing all of the decisions being made and the new laws being created,” Carter recalled. “But I didn’t see a lot of representation of women of color. That’s when I thought, our voices need to be heard and represented. So, I decided to go to law school.”

In 2008, Carter earned her law degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and recently began her trailblazing role as a public servant. Recently, Carter was sworn in as the first Black woman associate judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit at the Rock Island County Justice Center in Illinois. “I remember being speechless and feeling overwhelmingly grateful,” she said.

Her journey to the bench was not easy. Carter persistently pursued the judgeship, applying seven times throughout her career before achieving success. Her faith and dedication paid off in 2024 with substantial support from her peers and community ultimately securing her appointment. As an associate judge, she now presides over both civil and criminal cases within her district.

Throughout her career, Carter aimed to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams. She noted that her journey of witnessing positive Black representation began at her alma mater. “Your goals are real, TSU showed me that,” Carter said.

“TSU played a crucial role in my journey because as an HBCU, it really demonstrated the power of being proud of your heritage. I got to see African Americans in leadership positions, well-spoken, educated, and capable of achieving their goals, educating others, and leading their communities.”

Dr. Samantha Morgan Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, expressed pride in Carter’s remarkable journey and significant milestone. “The College of Liberal Arts is incredibly proud of Tionn Fambro Carter, who epitomizes the capable, focused student we strive to cultivate and educate,” Morgan Curtis said. “She majored in English to hone her critical thinking, analytic skills, and writing abilities. She now stands as a model for all young women who follow her, continually making a positive impact on the world. I cannot say enough good things about her other than she embodies ‘Think, Work, Serve.’’”

Carter’s portrait now hangs in the Illinois courthouse alongside the judges who have presided over the district throughout the county’s history. Her presence among them reminds her of her TSU internship and her determination to make a difference.

“We come from a heritage and ancestry that has done great things,” Carter said. “And we can continue to be a part of that legacy too. Work hard for your seat at the table because you belong there just like everyone else,” she continued. “If you believe it’s your purpose, never give up on your dreams.

Carter resides in Rock Island County with her husband and children.

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TSU offering course on history of HBCUS and their global impact

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is offering a course on the history of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their impact around the world.  

Dr. Learotha Williams, TSU history professor who will teach HBCU course.

The course starts this fall and is available to undergraduates and graduates. It provides a chronological and thematic study of the history of HBCUs in the United States from 1837 to the present, paying close attention to the ways they have influenced the social, economic, political, and intellectual life of African Americans in the U.S. and the impact their graduates have had on Modern America and the world.

“Along with President Glenda Glover, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is excited to have initiated the effort to bring this course to fruition,” said Dr. Michael Harris, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. 

“This course offers students deep insight into the success of HBCUs and their impact on American society. HBCUs are the pillar of educational excellence, key institutional anchors for neighborhoods and communities, and foundational to the academic experience of African Americans.”

There are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States. They have pretty much always maintained a degree of popularity. But more attention was undoubtedly given to them when former U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University, began her run for vice president of the United States. And the spotlight on HBCUs has remained now that Harris has become the second most powerful person in the world.

“Needless to say, that we are excited about this course on the history of HBCU’s,” said Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at TSU. “It is important to recognize and promote the rich history and impact of HBCUs.”

In the course, students explore the historic role that HBCUs have played in the development of the communities where they are located and the intimate relationship they cultivated with the residents of those spaces over time.

“I am excited about taking a scholarly look at these institutions,” said Dr. Learotha Williams, a history professor at TSU who is teaching the course. “I hope to provide a better understanding of the role of HBCUs in American society. Not only that, but the national and international impact they’ve had, particularly the individuals and social movements they’ve produced.”

To learn more about HIST 4325, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/history/.

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About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.